Middle way (Buddhism)

Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, taught that the extremes of self indulgence and of severe scepticism and mortification of the flesh should both be avoided. His followers should follow a middle way. This is the widest sense of the term. For example, [Hinayana]

Buddhism considers as the middle way the [aryastangamarga]

(noble eightfold path) which leads to cessation of suffering through just such avoidance of extremes. However, different traditions of Buddhist refer to the "middle way" in more specific contexts:< (i) [Madhyamaka]

Buddhism - the "Middle Way" - treads a middle path between opposite positions, in particular between the existence or not of phenomena. It uses the "eight negations" to analyze phenomena logically.

(ii) [Yogacara]

similarly refers to the middle way as neither accepting the existence of phenomena nor their non-existence (since what does not exist in reality may yet be the real basis of an idea).

(iii) [T'ien t'ai]

Buddhism, again looking at the existence or non-existence of phenomena, refers to the middle way as the simultaneous recognition of the emptiness (dependent nature) of phenomena while conceding phenomenal existence if only of a temporary, passing nature.

(iv) As well as the existence or non-existence of phenomena, the middle way can be that between belief in the eternal, unchanging nature of phenomena (eternalism) and in the total destruction of phenomena (nihilism).